19 April 2024 – The Zoo, Brisbane – words by Cecelia Pattison-Levi
Brisbane born; Lennox Head based musician and song writer Kita Alexander has shown glints of her promise to write and perform fabulous pop music from her early blossoming in 2013 with EP Lion Hat, to the wonderful EPs Like You Want To from 2015, Hotel from 2017, and The One from 2022. It was fantastic that The Zoo was the sold-out venue to debut the live performance of her debut album Young and in Love released on 22 March 2024.
The night started with a good set from Melbourne’s singer-songwriter San Joseph who has recently released his first EP Learning The Ropes in 2023. He has a smooth voice and he has written some strong pop songs like ‘Blink Twice’, ‘Swing By’, and ‘Tom Cruise’. I enjoyed his set and would love to see him perform with a full band – so that his songs can fully breathe. When he sang with Kita on ‘Date Night’ with the band behind him – his voice lit up. The crowd loved it!
Next up to perform was Jem Cassar-Daley. And her name reveals her nature, what a sparkling performance was given by this up-and-coming musician and song writer. I was very keen to see her perform live after her win at the Queensland music awards on 17 April 2024 for best song writing with ‘King of Disappointment’. I was not disappointed. She performed many of her songs from her debut EP 2022’s I Don’t Know Who to Call with the fabulous singles ‘Oh No’, ‘Changes’ and ‘Letting Go’. She also performed new songs ‘Slow Down’, ‘Space Between’ and a wonderful cover of ‘Sweet Escape’. There was a lot to like here in Jem’s set with her lovely smooth-toned vocals and song writing skills on display. She demonstrated that she is a real young talent on the rise and definitely one to watch in the coming years.
Kita Alexander, then took to the stage supported by her excellent drummer and guitarist. I was eager to hear the other winner of a Queensland music award for having the highest-selling single ‘Atmosphere’ and to hear this new album. I have followed this young musician’s path since those early days and was excited to see her perform live and listen to her lovely warm smooth as glass vocals.
It is a real treat to hear a debut album played live in this way: ‘Young and in Love’ is classy with a great coastal pop vibe. Rolling Stone reviewed the album as said it was ‘all polish’ and I have to agree. Kita opened with her very popular song ‘Queen’, then came ‘7 Minutes in Heaven’ and the marvellous single ‘Like You Want To’ (which is a very popular song in my household). She, then, performed an emotional tribute of ‘Hotel’ which the crowd just loved. Then, the tracks ‘Date Night’, ‘Butterflies’, ‘Matter of Miles’, ‘Bigger Person’ and then my personal favourites ‘Zodiac’ and ‘All Night’ sung with Jem Cassar- Daley. Then, she mashed in her terrific single ‘Between You & I’ with a cover of Tears For Fears ‘Everyone Wants to Rule The World’. The encore was another clever mash up of ‘Atmosphere’, with Fountains of Wayne’s ‘Stacy’s Mom’ and the set ended with ‘Best You Ever Had’. It was a beautifully balanced set and the audience at The Zoo were really appreciative.
What was really lovely about the crowd at the Zoo was the wide demographic mix of people and their genuine love of live music and interest in Kita Alexander’s music. I really love hearing from people about the gigs they are going to and their love of the music they are here to see. And, the love in the room for this musician was evident. The people at this capacity filled gig were friendly, warm and real music lovers. The Zoo’s vibe is fantastic and it is reflected in the music performed there on the stage: great honest music.
It was a terrific night: good music, good vibes and good times (even if there were a few key change issues).
